Most Flowers Fly to the US

It isn't obvious when you're shopping, but whether you're at the florist, grocery, or a "big box" store, almost all cut flowers (80%+) are grown thousands of miles away - usually in third world countries and often by poorly paid and/or child labor. Because they aren't usually eaten, imported flowers are not subject to the same regulations as food. And since flowers are delicate and finicky, pestered by insects and easily destroyed by conditions that mar their petals, those foreign flowers, especially the "cheap flowers," are primarily grown in countries where there are no or very limited pesticide-use restrictions. Imported flowers are often treated heavily with chemicals, some banned in the United States. And since foreign flowers must not bring pests to the US, they are routinely doused again... just before getting on the plane to fly straight into your arms for your most important occasions.
#grownnotflown #buylocalchallenge #americangrownflowers #americangrown

How We Grow Flowers for You

Our way is much simpler! Pale Blue Dot Farm's flowers are grown practically in your own backyard - dramatically reducing their carbon footprint compared to imports and benefiting the local environment by supporting pollinators, including birds, butterflies, dragonflies, bats, and bees. We use Integrated Pest Management (releasing "good bugs" to fight the "bad"), only organic fertilizers and methods of control when necessary - and sparingly at that. (Yes, sometimes this means we're out in the flower field putting "hats" over the blooms to protect them for you!) We hope all of this means you enjoy our flowers so much more. And that, if on the off chance you do happen to see a little garden friend in among your blooms, you will only breathe in your flowers' sweet scents even more deeply, secure in the knowledge your local flowers are safer and healthier for you, your family, and our planet!
#localflowers #slowflowers #marylandgrown #mdflowers #palebluedotfarm